A drive from Scotland to Croatia (via France and Italy) then back again! 3500 Miles Children’s Ages: 8 and 5 Why another long family road trip? Our friends were staying in Barbezieres in south western France and the grandparents rented a place in Istria, north western Croatia, which, as it happens, is nearly 1000 miles exactly due east. So in order to take advantage of the free accommodation on offer we needed to plan a road trip right across France, through the Alps and across the top of Italy (skimming the corner of Slovenia)…

Essential Items to pack for Long Car Journeys After four long family road trips, each totaling between 2500 and 3300 miles, we put together this list of essential items that we now never leave home without…

The Ultimate Family Nature Trail, British Columbia British Columbia is a great place to track down all the kids’ favourite animals By JW Patrick Like most children, our three-year-old has the entire animal kingdom ranked in order of preference – with his premier league comprising mostly the scary ones with really big pointy teeth. Current title-holder is the Grizzly Bear, ever since he heard about one rudely interrupting his uncle’s fishing trip in British Columbia. The arrival of Wuncle David’s baby provided the perfect opportunity to combine a family visit…

Oh, how my wife pleaded for us to take the next right. Like the Call of the Sirens in Greek mythology the call of the Prosecco lures unwary travellers to certain doom. So did we stop? No. Bologna is just off the same route and we didn’t stop for a Bolognese either. Although if we ever see the sign for Lagavulin, we’ll probably stop then…

Are we nearly there yet? In the last 5 years my family has undertaken three epic family road trips around Europe (from Scotland to Portugal, and from Scotland to Croatia twice). 1) Treat the car journey as the start of your holiday. The key to a successful long car journey with kids is to think of it as the start of your holiday and make sure you all enjoy it. This is a chance to spend family time together, to talk, to share each other’s time, ideas, music etc. (Our book, the Family…

Family-Friendly Accommodation on the M6 & M5 Ideal for travelling to and from Scotland. Here are some ideal family friendly stopovers within a range of budgets for those heading from Scotland or to Scotland. All hotels have been personally stayed in and come recommended by JW Patrick, with 2 young children. This hotel listing starts in the north and moves south. If you know of any more family friendly accommodation, within a short drive of the motorway – in particular independent hotels/inns that aren’t part of the big chains, then…